90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Episodes
S5E2: Cross-Border Conservation in the Big Bend Ecoregion
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Rick LoBello about ambi...
S5E1: Standing Up to Tech Giants: Desert Locals vs. California’s Largest Data Center
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke looks into the contentious topic of a proposed AI data center in Imperial County, Califo...
S4E45: The Desertification Myth: Unpacking the Truth About Dry Lands
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke embarks on a journey to unpack the conc...
S4E44: Why the Desert's Sounds Matter More Than Ever
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes a moment to reflect on the challen...
S4E43: Saving the Santa Rita Mountains from Destructive Copper Mining
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke embarks on a detailed discussion with John Dougherty, Executive Director of Sa...
S4E42: Defending the Desert in a World of Lies
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the delicate balance of truth in natural environments and everyday lif...
S4E41: How Fire, Furloughs, and Federal Cuts Threaten Our Deserts
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke engages in a deep conversation with Nick Graver as they explore the pressing ch...
S4E40: The Battle for the San Rafael Valley
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Andrea Hoerr is a committed environmental advocate working with Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness in Tu...
S4E39: Ideology vs. Wildlife Science: A Conversation with Mandy Culbertson
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes listeners into the complex worlds ...
S4E38: 2 Big Reasons to Avoid National Parks During the Shutdown
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke provides valuable insights into the impact of government shutdowns on national parks, es...
S4E37: Desert Communities and United Fronts: Building a Cross-Desert Protection Movement
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Chris Clarke takes listeners along on a recent journey to El Paso for the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. The trip was made possible by supporters who ...
S4E36: The Fallout You Never Knew About: California's Hidden Nuclear Legacy
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary In this eye-opening episode of *90 Miles from Needles*, host Chris Clarke welcomes back Dr. Michael E. Ketterer to explore the unsettl...
S4E35: Silencing the Left: The Fight for Truth and Justice in Uncertain Times
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Clarke discusses the political tensions boiling over in the U.S., particularly surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Clarke offers a pr...
S4E34: Joshua Trees and Family Trees
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Clarke, the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast" is a seasoned storyteller, passionate environmentalist, and a de...
S4E33: Monsoon Madness: When the Desert Comes Alive
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary This episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast does a racing dive into the fascinating topic of monsoonal rainstorms in the deser...
S4E32: Joshua Trees are Still Caught in the Climate Crossfire
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding th...
S4E31: 5 Years On: Cima Dome After the Flames
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking th...
S4E30: Episode 100 | Former Wildland Firefighter Ruth Nolan's Literary Mission
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, celebrated over several parts to accommodate in-depth discussions, features a captivating final chapter with Ruth Nolan. A distinguished...
S4E29: Episode 100 | Two Deserts, One Story with Rubén Martinéz
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this chapter of the milestone hundredth episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces a...
S4E28: Episode 100 | Three Sonorans and Tucson's Stand Against High-Tech Ecological Threats
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this chapter of the landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, journalist David Morales, known for his insight...
S4E27: Episode 100 | Poetry and Plants with Cameron Mayer
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clark celebrates with a treasure trove of content breaking into six ...
S4E26: Episode 100 | Morgan Sjogren's Tales of Beauty, Rage, and Uranium
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this chapter of the 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke welcomes the acclaimed author and enviro...
S4E25: Episode 100 | Desert Protection Chronicles: The Amargosa Victory
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this milestone 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles Podcast, host Chris Clarke celebrates a significant achievement in deser...
S4E24: Desert Communities Need Public Broadcasting Now
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this landmark 99th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris Clarke sets the stage for the upc...
S4E23: Desert Bucket List: 9 Destinations You Must See
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explo...
S4E22: Fighting GreenLink: The True Impact of Transmission Lines in the Desert
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Kevin Emmerich is the co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural her...
S4E21: Give us a Desert Without Borders
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Chris Clarke unravels the intertwined issues of border politics and desert protection. This episode highlights the human cost of mig...
90 Miles from Needles' Schedule update!
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Notable Quotes: • "Mark your calendars. Fridays are now Desert Protection Days." • "We could not do this without you." • "Desert advoca...
S4E20: You Can Help Save Public Lands from Privatization
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United State...
S4E19: Finding Nature's Refuge in Salt Lake Sprawl
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Immerse yourself in the world of desert city conservation with Chris Clarke and Parker Lloyd as they explore the compelling intersect...
S4E18: Resilience & Resistance in Navajo Country
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke looks into the intricate issues surrounding Bears Ears National Monument ...
S4E17: The War Against The Greens, Updated
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris discusses the intersection of environmental activism and political challenges with activist and investigative journalist David Helvarg. The disc...
S4E16: Ezra Klein's New Book Has an Abundance of Problems
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Host: Chris Clarke is the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." With an extensive background in environmental jou...
S4E15: The Fight to Save Lives on the U.S.-Mexico Border
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Join host Chris Clarke in this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles" as he delves into the crucial humanitarian effort...
S4E14: @WesternWaterGirl Gives Social Media a Reality Check
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke sits down with Teal Lehto, a passionate water rights activist ...
S4E13: Yuck: The Wild, Weird History of Joshua Trees with Barret Baumgart
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke is joined by author Barret...
S4E12: We Need To Talk About "De-Extinction"
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Host: Chris Clarke is an environmental advocate and the knowledgeable host of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast. He is committed to desert...
S4E11: Beauty Meets Struggle: The Endangered Treasures of BLM Lands
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Josh Jackson is a passionate author and explorer of public lands, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked Bureau of Land ...
S4E10: 3 Ways the Desert Improves Your Life
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke looks into three astonishing science fac...
S4E9: DEI and Desert Protection
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Clarke explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with desert protection, highlighting how Trump's attacks on DEI harm ...
S4E8: Plan Sonora: The New Face of Green Colonialism
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Caroline Tracey is a distinguished writer focusing on topics related to art, literature, environment, and migration in the U.S....
S4E7: The Southwest's Hidden Urban Histories
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion with journalist Kyle Paoletta about his book "American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of ...
S4E6: The Desert Speaks Out
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and ...
S4E5: DOGE Layoffs Are Sabotaging Public Lands
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest Kristen Brengel serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). With...
S4E4: Other Podcasts You Should Check Out
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Chris shifts focus to recommending several podcasts that align with the mission of desert protection and conservation. Marissa Ortega Welch...
Teaser: a quick update
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris provides listeners with an update on the state of the podcast. Despite a minor setback due to illnes...
S4E3: Ivanpah Solar to shut down
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this extensive episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke dives into the controversial Ivanpah Solar Electric Generatin...
S4E2: Good News at Ash Meadows
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Mason Voehl is the Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, which works to protect and celebrate the valuable ecosystems...
S4E1: Moab to Mojave: The Largest Conservation Corridor Explained
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of Season Four, we look at: Wildfires and Power Infrastructure: Power lines and climate change are making wildfires worse, so it...
Season Four coming soon!
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the vital efforts in desert conservation with the return of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Season four kicks off on J...
S3E37: BLM Cozies Up To Renewable Energy Companies
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Chris Clarke as he discusses apparent collusion between Nevada's BLM staff and energy companies with journalist Jimmy Tobias. In this enlightenin...
S3E36: Laughing Coyotes and Saguaro Dreams: An Unlikely Desert Awakening
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broad...
S3E35: Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist: Creating the World We Want Together
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke delivers an impassioned reflection on th...
S3E34: Hope the Mexican Wolf: A Tale of Survival and Loss in Northern Arizona
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Chris Clarke as he delves into the poignant tale of Hope, a Mexican wolf, with Greta Anderson from Western Watersheds Project. Discover the ...
S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges a...
S3E32: Vote, Engage, and Protect Our Desert
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Election Day 2024 episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris sheds light on the crucial role of civic engagement in the ongoing struggl...
S3E31: Return of the Lobo: Restoring Texas' Mexican Wolves
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest(s): Chris Clarke is the host of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." He brings a wealth of knowledge about wild...
S3E30: Exploring the Art and Science of Joshua Trees
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Juniper HarrowerJuniper Harrower is an artist and ecologist currently serving as an art professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Born in Palm Sp...
S3E29: Barbed Wire and Border Walls: The Unseen Cost of Fragmented Habitats
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist and prolific author known for his focus on the intersection of human activi...
S3E28: There Ain't No Big Faucet: Water Politics with the Great Basin Water Network
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Kyle Roerink is the Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network. Roerink has been a pivotal figure in advocating for sustaina...
S3E27: Los Alamos's Dark Legacy: Plutonium Pollution in Plain Sight
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest: Dr. Michael E. Ketterer is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Northern Arizona University. With extensive expertise in analytical c...
S3E26: The New Western Solar Plan: A Disaster for Desert Ecosystems?
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecolo...
S3E25: Utah's Public Lands Lawsuit Sparks Controversy
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands....
S3E24: The Fight to Protect the Pahrump Valley
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, incl...
S3E23: Moonlit Deserts and Lost Love
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on ...
S3E22: Debunking Snake Misconceptions
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris chats with Lucas Basulto, president of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, from a swelteringly hot living room about snakes in the desert. They t...
S3E21: The War on Facts: Environmental Protection after Chevron
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Under Chevron, agencies interpreted often vague language in laws passed by Congress. Supreme Court’s move now reallocates these decisions to the cou...
S3E20: Desert Protection versus Climate Capitalism: Can we have both?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We ...
S3E19: Oh, those dark desert skies
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About the Guest(s): Mitch Miller: Mitch Miller is a seasoned landscape photographer based in Joshua Tree, California. With a career that started in 19...
S3E18: Don't Die Today! Staying Safe in Desert Heat
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Surviving and thriving in desert heat require a combination of knowledge, preparation, and vigilance. Understanding the immediate dangers, recognizing...
S3E17: Submerged No More! Restoring Chemehuevi Land and Traditions
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Daniel Leivas, Southern Paiute-Chemehuevi from Lake Havasu, shares his journey of reviving ancestral agricultural practices on the Chemehuevi Nation's...
S3E16: Ash Meadows Faces New Mining Threat
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we welcome back Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy for an engaging and informative update on the situation surrounding Ash Mead...
S3E15: The Surprising Longevity of Desert Plants
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the ancient plants of the desert in this episode of 90 Miles from Needles. From the 11,700-year-old King Clone creosote bush to the surprisin...
S3E14: Saving El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About our Guest: Jon Rezendes is an influential conservationist with a dedication to the preservation and rewilding of the Chihuahuan Desert region, p...
S3E13: Why Protecting Cultural Sites is Important
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this revealing episode, we delve into the clandestine underworld of archaeological site looting and cultural vandalism in the Southwest. Our esteem...
S3E12: Our 50th Episode
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this 50th episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke reflects on the importance of protecting the desert and the need for more desert ac...
S3E11: Desert Stories
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode host Chris Clarke shares his recent visit to the Amargosa Basin, highlighting the stunning wildflower bloom and the importance of supp...
S3E10: Can the Wilson's Phalarope Save the Great Salt Lake?
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," the Desert Protection podcast, we journey with the host to the shores o...
S3E9: How Avi Kwa Ame Transformed My Life
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke reflects on the significance of the Avi Kwa Ame National ...
S3E8: Border Wall: A Barrier to Wildlife and Humanity
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke interviews Myles Traphagen, a conservationist and scientist working with The Wildlands N...
S3E7: Saving the Chihuahuan Desert with Frontera Land Alliance
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the beauty and biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert in this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast." Host Chris Cl...
S3E6: Joshua Trees and Family Trees
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Chris Clarke shares an excerpt from his book in progress about the Joshua tree, the signature plant of the Mojave Desert. He ref...
S3E5: Protecting the Great Bend of the Gila
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument with advocates Skylar Begay and Mike Quigley. They discuss...
S3E4: Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Water Protections for Desert Wildlife
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supre...
S3E3: The Fight Against Flamingo 640; How a Community Stood Up to Big Development
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Cl...
S3E2: Biden's Plan to Turn the Desert into a Solar Energy Complex
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Utility-Scale Solar energy development is shaping the future of solar in the western United ...
S3E1: Four Books That Will Change How You See The Desert
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions ...
S2E16: Protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep from Habitat Loss and Disease
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
About The Guest(s): Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her caree...
S2E15: On Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference for the Desert
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the thr...
S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of Ca...
S2E13: Dealing With Loss
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a minute since we published an episode, in part because Chris and Alicia have had complicated lives. Here's how we contend with bad news ins...
S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the world of the saguaro cactus, exploring its cultural significance, scientific studies, and more. We talk to journalist Henry Brean of...
S2E11: Globemallow Binding the Desert's Wounds
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Alicia discuss the recent victory in delaying exploration for lithium near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. They also announce the form...
S2E10 Save Ash Meadows!
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to...
S2E9: What We Got Wrong About the Desert
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend a lot of time correcting misapprehensions about the desert. But don't get the impression we think we're flawless! We've made our share of mis...
S2E8: Native Activism in the Desert (Part 1)
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of Native American Land Conservancy and Save Our Springs. Podcast episode photo by John Fowler.Become a des...
S2E7: Superb Loom
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are flowers to be seen in the desert, if you know where to look. Chris and Alicia de-stress while enjoying the best of the desert, and discuss h...
S2E6: Border Chronicle: Biden Still Building Trump's Border Wall"
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We here at 90 Miles from Needles are big fans of The Border Chronicle podcast and email newsletter, and in this episode, we're republishing an episode...
S2E5: The Problems with Desert Solar
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The US Interior Department is rethinking the ways it has managed big corporate solar on public lands, and we have opinions. Chris pontificates based o...
S2E4: Protecting Wonder Valley
18 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alicia talks to a well-organized group of desert denizens who are working together to stop an inappropriate development from destroying their way of l...